Gov't to revamp transport with EVs, green fuel use

The government is planning to introduce a fleet of double-decker, air-conditioned, luxury buses that will run on alternative fuel.

The government of India has started to "think out of box" to curb private vehicle use in the country.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said they are looking towards promoting use of cost effective, import substitute, pollution free and indigenous technology "as such thrust is being laid upon use of electric vehicles and green fuel like ethanol."

“We are looking into the successful practices employed internationally and willing to adopt the same, besides we are also willing to reform our technology and think out of box,” Gadkari said at an ASSOCHAM event in New Delhi.

Improving the condition and promoting use of public transport is also a priority, and according to the official, the government is planning to introduce a fleet of double-decker, air-conditioned, luxury buses that will run on alternative fuel, which will connect cities like Delhi-Jaipur, Delhi-Chandigarh, Delhi-Shimla and Delhi-Ludhiana.

“Providing robust electric public-transport across India is one of our dreams and we are constantly working on the same by bringing new and innovative models, accepting fuel standards and changing automobile related laws,” Gadkari said, noting that the initiative is aimed at discouraging people from using their own vehicles.

“The pace at which the number of cars is rising across India, we might have to add another lane on roads which is likely to cost us heavily," he said. “All these initiatives are aimed at reducing pollution levels, promote industrial development, bring down costs, generate employment, increase economic growth and boost exports."